Who can make a DME weekend?

Anyone can participate as long as they are a sophomore in high school or 15 years of age or older. While the majority of the people making the retreat will be high school students, there will be a handful of young adults and adults participating in the weekend. There is no age maximum and you do not have to be Catholic to attend.

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When and where are Divine Mercy Encounter retreat weekends held?

DME retreat weekends are usually held at Saint Joseph Church / Bread of Life Community at 147 West 24th Street, Erie, PA 16502. Occasionally retreats are held at special locations such as Elk County Catholic School in St. Marys, PA. Retreat participants are expected to stay at the social center for the entire weekend. We ask retreatants to arrive on Friday between 9:30am and 10am. The weekend officially begin at 10am and runs through Sunday at 5pm. 

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Is there a cost for the DME weekends?

The cost to make the DME weekend is $45. We ask for a $20 deposit to hold your spot on a particular weekend. Sponsorships are available for anyone that cannot pay for the entire weekend. We never want cost to be a barrier for anyone interested in attending a weekend. Please reach out to the registration coordinator to request sponsorship: dmeretreat@gmail.com.

Please make checks out to: Divine Mercy Encounter​

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What should I bring with me on a DME weekend?

On the DME weekend, you will be staying over at a social center or a school. In addition to the items you'd normally bring on a trip (casual and comfortable clothes, pajamas, towels, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, any medication, etc.) you will also want to bring a sleeping bag and pillow, as well as dress clothes for Saturday’s liturgy. We ask that you avoid bringing cut off shirts, crop tops, or short shorts.
Inflatable mattresses are permitted, although we ask that you bring a single-sized mattress to allow for room for everyone in the sleeping area. A limited number of cots are available upon request. Adults have first opportunity to reserve a cot. Shower facilities will be available.

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*We require all retreatants to have a completed Medical Release Form. You will also receive in a copy in your acceptance email.

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Am I going to have to share personal stuff  on the DME weekend?

There is plenty of time on the weekend for sharing - if you feel comfortable - but you do not have to talk about anything that you don't want to. No one is going to expect you to answer questions about yourself or your life. You can go as far as you want.

 

Who will be at a Divine Mercy Encounter Weekend?​​

The makeup of each Divine Mercy Encounter weekend varies a little, but usually around 30 people make the weekend and around 20 people work the weekend. There are usually around 15 high school aged participants, 5 - 10 college / young adult participants, and up to 8 adult participants making the weekend. At your table will also be two people around your age who have made a Divine Mercy Encounter before who will serve as your table resources to help out. 

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Will I be able to shower on Divine Mercy Encounter Weekends?

Yes, there are showers available and everyone has a chance to take showers.

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Where am I going to be sleeping?

You will be sleeping on the floor of the location where you are making your DME. Participants are encouraged to bring a twin inflatable mattress or floor pad, a sleeping bag, or (when necessary) a cot. Some cots are available by request for those who need them.

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Is it too late for me to sign up for the weekend?

While we encourage people to sign up sooner rather than later, we accept application up until Friday morning of the weekend. So it is not too late! If you'd prefer to make a different weekend, feel free to look at upcoming dates on our home page.

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I signed up but can no longer attend. What should I do?

Please contact Mary Jaskowak as soon as possible to let her know. This is a very important request because DME weekends can fill up quickly and sometimes wait lists begin to form. By letting Mary know, it allows her to open up a spot for someone on the wait list. Canceling will not damage your standing with the DME program. If you are interested in the next DME weekend, you can notify Mary and she will do her best to put you on.

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What if I have another question? Or I am nervous about the weekend?

If you have any questions about DME, please feel free to reach out to Justin Johnson and/or Sarah Beaver.​

For questions regarding registering for a DME weekend, please contact Mary Jaskowak.